Effects of leaf scales of different pineapple cultivars on the epiphytic stage of Fusarium guttiforme

► We compared the epidermis of pineapple cultivars resistant and susceptible to fusariosis. ► Mature leaves of pineapple plants were analyzed by light and electron microscopy. ► Cultivar Vitoria (resistant) had less scales than Smooth Cayenne and Perola (susceptible). ► Scales were shown to act as conidial havens and favour infection.